Inertia-activated alert hockey practce aid

ABSTRACT

A hockey shooting practice aid which includes a weighted, light-up target device that is securable to the frame of a hockey net and constructed of a hardened metal material capable of withstanding repeated impact force of hockey pucks. The practice aid is adapted to alert the shooter of a puck by emitting a continuous or flashing light when the target is struck by a puck with sufficient force to overcome a predetermined impact threshold. The weighted target includes a central chamber with an opening that carries an inertia-activated light-up ball which, upon sensing the sufficient dynamic inertia of a striking puck which exceeds an impact threshold force, illuminates for a pre-programmed duration of time. By illuminating the central light-up apparatus of the weighted target, the shooter is rewarded for making both an accurate and forceful shot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/064261, filed on Oct. 15, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of devices for improving hockey players shooting skills, and is particularly adapted for use by a single or multiple players in on-ice or off-ice locations, either indoors or outdoors. Hockey is a team sport that requires significant skill and hand-eye coordination. To become skilled at the game, players spend many hours practicing both on-ice and off-ice to improve their skating, puck handling and shooting skills. To become a proficient shooter, a player must learn the art of various shooting techniques, including the wrist shot, slap shot and snap shot. Proper weight transfer, arm and wrist strength are all important factors that must be developed in order to have an effective hockey shot.

Shot accuracy and a quick release are some of the most important and difficult skills for a hockey player to develop. Hockey players work long and diligently to develop a quick release and place the shot in a location of the net away from the goalie, typically in one of the four corners of the net. The best practice obviously comes from shooting real pucks at a goalie; however, while it is certainly desirable to have a goalie present when shooting, oftentimes this is not the case. For this reason, hockey players at all skill levels have learned over the years to improvise in situations where goalies are not available, in order to practice and improve upon their puck handling and shooting skills.

In this regard, various practice aid devices have heretofore been developed which help indicate when a player has successfully placed his/her shot in one of the four corners of the net. One such known device utilizes a large board (typically made of plywood) that covers the net opening, except for the four corners, which are left open. A successful shot goes through one of the corner openings and into the back of the net. This device, however, is extremely large, heavy and cumbersome to handle; it is also difficult to store when not in use. Over time, such wooden devices eventually become dilapidated from constant bombardment with pucks, leaving shards of wood on the ice and elsewhere.

Other known devices provide targets that are adapted to hang from the corners of a hockey net, at which a hockey player can take aim. Such devices often include various plastic or wood targets, such as old milk cartons or plastic target panels, and may carry a bull's-eye or other target indicia imprinted on its surface. One known device utilizes a steel and tarpaulin mesh material for construction of the target, and carries an imprinted target thereon.

None of the above known devices, however, are designed to provide the shooter with any type of indication or reward for successfully placing a shot at the center of the target, or for making the shot with ample speed and/or force to beat the goalie and score a goal. Upon striking one of the aforementioned hanging target devices anywhere on its surface, the puck is simply deflected away and blocked from entering the net. Where the shot is placed on the target makes no difference; nor does the speed or force with which the puck strikes the target.

It is advantageous to provide a hockey player with some form of reward for making a successful shot to the corner of the net. Particularly for youth players in the early stages of developing hockey skills, it is important to provide the player with incentive to continue working to achieve optimal shot accuracy and puck speed. Therefore, there is a long-felt unsatisfied need for a practice aid target system for hockey players which, upon striking the center of the target with sufficient force/speed to overcome a predetermined threshold, will alert the player that a successfully placed forceful shot has been placed to one of the four corners of the net. It is with the above in mind that I have developed the present invention, which is set forth and described in the following description.

SUMMARY

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments are provided herein of an improved hockey practice shooting aid for use in improving the speed and accuracy of a hockey player's shot. The practice aid device incorporates a weighted target that is adapted to be hung or otherwise secured from the frame of a hockey net in at least one of the four corners thereof. The weighted target is preferably made of a hardened metal material, such as iron or steel, which is capable of withstanding the repeated impact from the force of a striking hockey puck. However, it is contemplated that other suitable weighted materials or combination of materials could also be used without departing from the invention herein, provided such material(s) can withstand the repeated impact of a striking hockey puck. A suitable tethering device, such as medium to high tension cable or reinforced string, cord, straps or carabiner device may be used to attach the weighted targets to the hockey net frame.

The weighted target includes a central chamber with an opening for receiving an inertia-activated light-up signaling apparatus, such as a ball which, upon sensing the strike of the target or ball with sufficient dynamic force to overcome a predetermined inertia threshold, will emit a continuous of flashing light for a pre-programmed period of time. The inertia-activated ball is carried within the opening so as to slightly protrude outwardly from the surface of the weighted target, thus forming a target center-point for which the hockey player may aim. The ball may be formed with a bright colored, substantially translucent, outer shell such that it stands out relative to the outer perimeter portions of the weighted target.

The outer shell of the inertia-activated ball is preferably formed of a highly flexible, resilient plastic or elastomeric type material. Housed within the outer shell are an inertia switch, illumination circuit and one or more lights that may illuminate continuously or flash upon activation. The ball is held in place within the opening of the central chamber simply via a friction fit, and is readily removable for replacement, as needed. The outer surface of the ball's shell may be studded or smooth, and either surface will function equally well for registering an appropriate hockey shot. The studded surface, however, may provide additional grip and be more appropriate for more experienced players with stronger shots, as the studs tend to provide a slightly stronger grip on the edges of the central chamber opening, thus preventing inadvertent dislodgement of the ball.

Upon sensing a strike from a hockey puck that exceeds the minimum threshold level of force required to activate the inertia switch housed within the ball, the switch will close (or open) the illumination circuit within the ball, thus causing the light(s) therein to illuminate. The illumination circuit includes a pre-programmed timing circuit which maintains illumination of the ball for a predetermined period of time. Consequently, each time a hockey player shoots a puck and successfully strikes the weighted target or inertia-activated central ball of the target with sufficient force to activate the inertia switch therein, the ball will automatically illuminate (either continuous or flashing) for a pre-set period of time, thus visually alerting and rewarding the shooter for making a shot with optimal accuracy and force.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the detailed description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a weighted hockey target constructed in accordance with my invention, shown mounted in each of the upper corners of a hockey net;

FIG. 2 is a close-up perspective view of the weighted hockey target shown in FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with my invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the weighted hockey target shown in FIG. 2, showing the weighted hockey target carrying an inertia-activated light-up signaling device in a central chamber;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the weighted hockey target shown in FIG. 2, showing a bracket secured across the rear side of the central camber opening to provide a rear support stop for the inertia-activated signaling device;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the weighted hockey target shown in FIG. 2, showing the placement of the inertia-activated signaling device within the central chamber of the weighted hockey target; and

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of the inertia-activated signaling device with a portion of its outer shell cut away to show the inertia switch and illumination circuit carried within its interior.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

With reference now to the drawings, an exemplary embodiment is shown of an improved hockey practice shooting aid 1 for use in improving the speed and accuracy of a hockey player's shot. The practice aid device 1 includes a weighted target 3 that is constructed with sufficient structural integrity to withstand being repeatedly pummeled by hockey pucks (typically formed of vulcanized rubber) without breaking. In a preferred embodiment, the weighted target 3 is constructed of a metal material, such as iron or steel, which is significantly heavier and stronger than the typical vulcanized rubber material of a hockey puck. It has been found that the use of a metal plate 0.125-0.375 inch thick, having a weight of approximately 1-10 lbs., is sufficient for purposes of the present invention. However, it is contemplated that other suitable weighted materials, or combination of materials, could also be used without departing from the invention herein, provided such material(s) can withstand the repeated impact of a striking hockey puck. With such construction, the target plate 3 can be struck repeatedly by a puck, possibly at speeds exceeding 100 mph, without inflicting any structural damage thereto.

As shown in FIG. 1, the weighted target plate 3 is adapted to be hung or otherwise secured from the frame of a hockey net 4 in at least one of the four corners thereof. As further shown in FIGS. 1-3, one or more openings 5 extend through the outer perimeter portion of the weighted target plate 3. Openings 5 provide a balanced securement means by which the weighted target may be connected to the frame of the hockey net. A suitable tethering device 6, such as medium to high tension cable or reinforced strings, cords, straps, carabiner device, etc., may be used to attach the weighted targets 3 via openings 5 to the hockey net frame. Here again, it is certainly contemplated that other means for connecting the weighted target plate 3 to the net frame are possible, such as the use of a bracket system, etc., without departing from the invention herein.

The weighted target plate 3 includes a central chamber 7 with an opening 9 that receives an inertia-activated signaling device, such as a ball 11. Similar to the weighted target plate 3, the inertia-activated ball 11 must be constructed with sufficient structural integrity to withstand being repeatedly pummeled by hockey pucks without breaking. However, in the case of ball 11, the outer shell 13 is preferably formed of a highly flexible, resilient plastic or elastomeric type material that is capable of resiliently flexing inwardly upon being struck with a puck, and rebounding back to its original shape without cracking, splitting or otherwise breaking or being permanently deformed. In a preferred embodiment disclosed in the drawings, the outer shell 13 of the ball or signaling device 11 is formed of a translucent material capable of emitting light, such that ball 11 will function as a visual alert mechanism. Of course, other alternative types of alert mechanisms, such as audible alerts may also be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention herein. However, for purposes of simplifying the disclosure herein, such signaling device 11 herein is discussed only in the form of a visual alert mechanism.

As shown best in FIGS. 2-5, the inertia-activated ball 11 is carried within the opening 9 of chamber 7 in such manner as to slightly protrude outwardly from at least the front surface of the weighted target plate 3. On the rear side of the target plate 3, chamber 7 includes a rear bracket 15 that extends across opening 9 and affixes to the target plate 3 via a pair of screws 17. Bracket 15 may be formed of metal or other suitably rigid material, and functions as a rear boundary or ball stop in chamber 7. Bracket 15 functions to prevent ball 11 from being forced outward through the rear of opening 9 in target plate 3 as the result of the striking force from a shot puck. To install the ball 11, the outer flexible shell 13 is simply compressed and squeezed into opening 9 from the front face of target plate 3, so as to be held in place via a friction fit. In this manner, the ball 11 forms a protruding center-point on the target plate 3 for which the hockey player may aim. To make the ball 11 more visible, the outer shell 13 thereof may be formed with a bright color such that it stands out relative to the outer perimeter portions of the weighted target plate 3.

As shown best in FIG. 3, the outer surface of the ball shell 13 may be formed with a plurality of studs 19, or may be smooth; either surface will function equally well for registering an appropriate hockey shot. The studded surface 13, however, may provide additional grip and be more appropriate for more experienced players with stronger shots, as the studs 19 tend to provide a slightly stronger grip on the edges of the central chamber opening 9, thus preventing inadvertent dislodgement of the ball 11. Regardless of whether the surface 13 is studded of smooth, since the ball 11 is held in place via mere friction, it is readily removable for replacement, if necessary and as desired.

As an added option, it is contemplated that an elastic binder mechanism 21 may be used to help further secure the inertia-activated ball 11 in place within the opening 9 of the central chamber 7. Similar to the outer shell 13 of the ball, the binder must be resilient and flexible enough to withstand the repeated striking force of a puck without cracking, splitting or otherwise breaking or being permanently deformed. As shown, the binder 21 may be positioned to traverse and engage the outer surface 13 of the ball 11, and extend through the opening 9 to secure to the rear metal bracket 15 and target 3. In so doing, the ball 11 will be held firmly in place within opening 9 so as not to become forwardly dislodged therefrom upon being struck with a puck.

As shown best in FIG. 6, housed within the outer translucent shell 13 of the inertia-activated ball 11 is an inertia switch 23 and an alert mechanism, such as an illumination circuit 25 and one or more lights 27 that will illuminate either continuously or by flashing when activated through the dynamic striking force of a puck being shot by a hockey player. In order to activate the inertia switch 23 within ball 11, the ball 11 or plate 3 must be struck with sufficient force to overcome a predetermined inertia threshold of the switch 23. With sufficient force, the puck being shot against the target 3 or ball 11 will activate the inertia switch, thereby triggering the illumination circuit 25 and causing the light(s) 27 within the ball 11 to emit a continuous or flashing light for a pre-programmed period of time (e.g. about 2.0-10.0 seconds). By way of example only, one known type of inertia-activated ball 11 that is capable of functioning appropriately for use in connection with my improved hockey practice shooting aid 1 is the Spritz® brand LED Spiky Balls, sold by Target Brands, Inc.

In operation, upon sensing a strike from a hockey puck that exceeds the minimum threshold level of force required to activate the inertia switch 23 housed within ball 11, the switch 23 will close (or open) the illumination circuit 25 within the ball, thus causing the light(s) 27 therein to illuminate. As noted previously, the illumination circuit 25 includes a pre-programmed timing circuit which maintains illumination of the ball 11 for a predetermined period of time. Consequently, each time a hockey player shoots a puck and successfully strikes the weighted target plate 3 or inertia-activated central ball 11 with sufficient force to activate the inertia switch 23 therein, the ball will automatically illuminate (either continuous or flashing) for a pre-set period of time, thus visually alerting and rewarding the shooter for making a shot with optimal accuracy and force.

The disclosure herein is intended to be merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 

1. An inertia-activated alert hockey practice aid, comprising: (a) a weighted disc member; (b) a signaling device attached to said weighted disc member, said signaling device including an alert mechanism and an inertia switch member for actuating said alert mechanism upon sensing a dynamic striking force against said weighted disc member which exceeds a predetermined threshold strike force; and (c) a tethering device for attaching said weighted disc member to a frame for a hockey net.
 2. The hockey practice aid of claim 1, wherein said weighted disc member is constructed of metal having a weight within the approximate range of 1.0-10.0 lbs.
 3. The hockey practice aid of claim 1, wherein said weighted disc member has a front surface with a defined opening within which said signaling device is retained by friction fit, said signaling device protruding outward from said opening beyond said front surface of said disc.
 4. The hockey practice aid of claim 3, wherein said opening extends through said weighted disc member into a defined rear chamber that forms a stop to help prevent said signaling device from being pushed through and dislodged from within said opening in said weighted disc member.
 5. The hockey practice aid of claim 3, including an elastic retainer which is connected to said weighted disc member and extends across a front face of said signaling device to further secure said signaling device within said opening and prevent dislodgement thereof.
 6. The hockey practice aid of claim 1, wherein said signaling device includes a flexible, resilient outer shell within which said inertia switch member and said alert mechanism are housed.
 7. The hockey practice aid of claim 6, wherein said outer shell is substantially translucent and said alert mechanism illuminates as a visual signal upon actuation for a pre-determined length of time.
 8. The hockey practice aid of claim 6, wherein said signaling device is retained within a central opening extending through said weighted disc member so as to protrude outward from said opening beyond a front surface of said weighted disc member.
 9. The hockey practice aid of claim 8, wherein said signaling device is in the form of a ball that is retained within said opening by friction fit, and an outer surface of said ball has a plurality of flexible protruding studs which help engage said weighted disc member and prevent dislodgement of said ball from within said opening.
 10. The hockey practice aid of claim 8, including a bracket extending over said opening on a rear surface of said weighted disc member to form a chamber within which said signaling device is retained.
 11. The hockey practice aid of claim 1, wherein said tethering member is selected from a group consisting of a strap, cord, reinforced string, and carabiner.
 12. An inertia-activated alert hockey practice aid, comprising: (a) a weighted disc member formed of metal and having opening-defining portions which define a central opening extending there through between a front surface and a rear surface thereof; (b) a signaling device carried within said opening of said weighted disc member, said signaling device having a substantially translucent outer shell which houses a visual alert mechanism and an inertia switch member for actuating said alert mechanism upon sensing a dynamic striking force against said weighted disc member which exceeds a predetermined threshold strike force; and (c) a tethering device for attaching said weighted disc member to a frame for a hockey net.
 13. The hockey practice aid of claim 12, wherein said signaling device is bounded by said opening-defining portions of said weighted disc member such that said signaling device protrudes outward relative to both said front surface and said rear surface of said weighted disc member.
 14. The hockey practice aid of claim 12, including a bracket extending over said opening on said rear surface of said weighted disc member to form a chamber within which said signaling device is retained.
 15. The hockey practice aid of claim 12, wherein said signaling device is retained within the confines of said central opening via a friction fit between said outer shell and said opening-defining portions of said weighted disc member.
 16. The hockey practice aid of claim 12, including an elastic retainer which is connected to said weighted disc member and extends across a front face of said signaling device to help secure said signaling device and prevent dislodgement thereof from within said opening of said weighted disc member.
 17. The hockey practice aid of claim 12, wherein said shell of said signaling device is formed of a flexible, resilient plastic or elastomeric material.
 18. The hockey practice aid of claim 17, wherein said signaling device is in the form of a ball that is retained within said opening by friction fit, and an outer surface of said ball has a plurality of flexible protruding studs which help engage said opening-defining portions of said weighted disc member and prevent dislodgement of said ball from within said opening.
 19. The hockey practice aid of claim 12, wherein said inertia switch member includes a battery powered illumination circuit which actuates and causes said visual alert mechanism to illuminate for a pre-programmed period of time upon sensing a dynamic striking force against said weighted disc member which exceeds said predetermined threshold strike force.
 20. The hockey practice aid of claim 12, wherein said tethering member is selected from a group consisting of a strap, cord, reinforced string, and carabiner. 